The Sells endorsee helped the club to their highest-ever Premier League finish of eighth, some five seasons ago, and he believes this squad is on a par.

"There's a lot more strength in depth than what we've been used to," he said. "It's probably the first time it's been like that since Steve Clarke was manager, when we had Romelu (Lukaku) in the team, and we got off to an amazing start. I think we were fourth just before Christmas.

"We've been so reliant on the same players week in, week out, especially last season, and we (the players) knew we needed more depth in the team."

West Brom had got off to a flier this season, unbeaten in their opening games to sit fifth in the table, but a surprise 3-1 defeat against Brighton has been a wake-up call according to the 32-year-old.

"I think everyone was a bit frustrated, it was an out-of-character performance from all of us," he added. "It's always quite tough after the international break, we've got a lot of players who are here, there and everywhere all over the globe.

"And we've had quite a few new players come in and I think that shakes things up a little bit.

"Nobody came off the pitch with full marks, it was a disappointing day and it's one best put behind us."